Category: Author Interview

Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Katie Reed and I am 29 years old. I worked at afterschool programs most of my career. When I graduated college, I became an afterschool program coordinator and ran my own site. I have also worked in a reading intervention program at a local public school for a couple years. When I had my son, I decided to stay at home for a while to be with him but I also decided to pursue my dream job as a children’s book author.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Wizard and the Lizard’ book?

I started writing Wizard and the Lizard when my son was 2 months old. I was very sleep deprived, which sometimes created a lack of motivation to write. However, I did get the idea for my Wizard and the Lizard books at 3:00 in the morning while feeding him. I just started writing notes into my phone, and felt inspired and motivated to write these books. Once I had the idea for the series, I was ready to write!

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

My son loves rhyming books. The Pout Pout Fish books are probably his favorite. I definitely got some motivation from The Pout Pout Fish series, as well as Tolkien. I love fantasy so I knew I wanted to write about magical characters.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I love the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. My dad and I went there after my mom passed away when I was a kid. I loved how green it was and having the ocean there too. It is just a magical place.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

I have to think of the overall message to get me motivated. Once I have that, I get inspired pretty quickly. Sometimes getting the rhymes right can be tricky as well. But I would not say there is a lot to do before I start writing.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Wizard and the Lizard Wacky Weather’ book?

I wrote the drafts in 3 days for both books… However with editing, and working with an editor, it probably took a month (each) to complete the writing for both books.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

My books are available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle formats.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?

I wanted there to be some mystery that draws in readers with the cover. My first book: Wizard and the Lizard has a cover with Wizard and Buddy looking into a cauldron with green smoke coming out. My second book: Wizard and the Lizard: Wacky Weather has a picture of Wizard and Buddy looking out a window and pointing at something the audience can’t see. I want the readers to wonder what is in the cauldron and what Wizard and Buddy are pointing at out the window, hopefully enough to read them and find out.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I like to use humor to draw in children and parents. It is also fun to laugh while writing it! I also hope my characters are silly and memorable for both children and adults.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

I am excited to announce I have a third book coming out in March! Follow me on Facebook at katiereedauthor and Instagram @wizardandthelizardauthor and check out my website katiereedauthor.com for free coloring sheets and updates on upcoming books!

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Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Nalini Raghunandan. I am married and have two wonderful daughters and an adorable 3-year-old grandson.  I was born in Guyana and currently live in Markham, Ontario. I currently work in telecommunications; however, prior to working in telecommunications, I was an elementary school teacher and an early childhood educator for 15 years, both in Guyana and Jamaica. This is where my passion for literacy and cultural diversity started.
When I am not working, I enjoy writing, travelling, reading and spending time with my family.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Fanny the Champ’ book?

I had the idea to write a children’s illustrated book since my early years as a teacher/educator.  The story and images have been on my mind for several decades now, so as you can imagine, articulating my abundant thoughts in a limited number of words for age appropriate readers was the greatest challenge.  However, this led to the book series.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I loved reading as a child however there wasn’t a library where I grew up. My father bought us books even though owning our own children’s books was such a luxury at the time.  
I was fascinated with classic fairy tales such as Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Rumpelstiltskin. However, as you can imagine there wasn’t much diversity in those books and I want all children to be represented in my stories.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My favourite spot is Bluffer’s Park in Toronto.  It has a 5KM walking and biking trail. The water is blue and there is lush greenery in the summer. I find tranquility and peace just looking at the lake.

Q5. Are there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Before I begin to write I make sure my work space is quiet with no clutter.  I would try to formulate the story/scenes in my mind, create a title/placeholder for the book—then the magic begins with a pencil and paper.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Fanny Saved the Day’ book?

Because of my full-time job, it took me approximately 6 months to complete the final transcript of Fanny Saved the Day.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

My books can be found on Amazon, Good Reads, Barnes & Noble, Books Depository and Abe Books.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?

Growing up, we had a dog named Fanny.  He was a rescue we found him lying on the side of the road.  He was just a tiny puppy. Fanny was gentle, loving, funny and adventurous, so the name “Fanny” was an easy pick. The remainder of the book titles emerged from the story. I have a few names for Book 3, but the title will depend on how the story evolves.

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Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

I have been teaching yoga and meditation to children and teens for over ten years.  My award- winning book Worry Bee I wrote in 2011 for my preschool yoga class that told me often they were worried which was 4 and 5 year old children.  I could not find  book that applied the principles of yoga  breath-work along with laughter for children to use in everyday life to relieve stress and anxiety so I made my own paper book and used it in classes with songs that went with it.  They would keep telling me then “Miss Ann I won’t be a Worry Bee.”  It was then published in 2018 by Pear Tree publishing.

Q2.  Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Mindful Moon’?’

Oh this is pretty funny story the book was originally a mindful spider and I had writers block.  I love spiders and my favorite book in elementary school was Charlotte’s Web.  However, I was sitting at our  lake home in New Hampshire watching the sun set as a full moon was rising, and I rewrote the book to be Mindful Moon.  Colleen Sgroi who illustrated the book came up to our home in NH and really saw my vision for the book.  The book won a Moon Beam children’s best illustration and I am very proud of it.

Q3. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

My work with children inspires my writing.  Children love to be read too and when I work in therapeutic or paediatric hospital settings doing meditation and yoga therapy I see how they relate to using mindful breathing or calm cantering with a book.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

The White Mountains of New Hampshire where I was inspired by the view of the moon rising over the mountains while the sun was setting to write  Mindful Moon.  I get to see this in every season. Right now is truly one of my favorite Fall with all the gorgeous colours.

Q5. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Worry Bee’ book?

I wanted to make sure that parents, caregivers and educators could really easily follow the directions to do mindful breathing like Worry Bee and use it in a way that supports calming children’s worries.

Q6. Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I AM ….. It is called Mind Buzz another bee theme, but it is a meditation workbook for teens.  Stay tuned everyone.  It is great for adults too!

Q7. What does success means to you?

Finding  joy in the present  moment  not because everything is perfect, but because you choose it.

Q8. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I meditate every morning even if it is only for five minutes and when I get stuck in the process I  leave the work and go meditate more!

Q9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Oh this is a great story as my parents were teachers and educators their entire careers, so reading was instilled to be very important in our household. When I was a young girl my mother bought me the book Ann Likes Red by Dorothy Seymour it was my favorite book as a young child especially with my name being Ann. Then my father bought me Charlotte’s Web in elementary school by EBWhite and I am a big animal lover spend every week in a barn with my rescue horse and rescue donkey.

Q10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to someone wanting to write and publish a book?

Oh yes… when you think of what you are writing is a gift to the reader  you have a whole different idea of  gratitude for the process.

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Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

I’m from a small town in the Southern United States. I hold dual degrees in business and psychology and read or write about almost anything. I began writing when I was four, before I knew how to write words- Like Hey, somebody, write this down! I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we are parents to two wonderful grown children. Together, we own a large, nationa-award-winning family farm. I enjoy yoga, world travel, and outdoors in my spare time.

Q2.  Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Lainey Cash’?

“Lainey Cash“ was the first novel for which I sought publishing out of twelve novels I completed in a twenty-year period. For the cover, I wanted to stay with the story’s prevailing themes of grief, greed, rivalry, and romance. I also wanted a photographic cover because we are a picture-posting society! The title was a cinch: This is the story of Lainey Cash, a female farmer, which is still quite revolutionary, and her evolution into adulthood- her education, career, and love life. Lainey Cash could be any woman.
*Interesting side note: My sister is an artist, and we have since collaborated. Her illustrations will be featured on future books I publish. It’s hands down the coolest part of my author journey. See her amazing work on the cover of “Sunshine and Lev” and “RETURN”.

Q3. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

My husband and I are adventurous travel buddies. Everywhere I go, big or small, busy or rural, I view life and my surroundings and other people as a possible story or character. Planting those seeds in my mind (and heart) delivers cool twists and vivid plots regularly. I also majored in psychology, so I’m not shy about delving into human emotion. That makes the possibilities endless.

Q4. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I wrote before I could read and finished most of my early novels before I drew a connection to other authors. Whenever I would try to read growing up, I would resort to writing. You can’t do both at the same time! As an adult, I try not to read books and think about how or what I would write. Therefore, if and when I read, it can be a lovely escape out of my life, even my author life. With that perspective, I am glad to say that as far as exemplary writing, I will forever be captivated by The Great Gatsby, Gone with the Wind, and The Scarlet Letter. Such passion and clear visuals! My genre is romance-suspense. Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown are queens.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

Oh no, not for me! I’m a pantser, as in- I fly by the seat of my pants and garner passion and energy from that frenzied, instinctual writing process. With “Lainey Cash”, I woke up early one morning in 2000, and wrote about twenty hours a day for eight days to finish. I completed the trilogy in less than three months. With “RETURN”, my latest dive into the time travel/magic genre, my husband suggested I write about Halloween on Halloween night 2019 because it’s my favorite holiday. By November 30, the book RETURN was written.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Sunshine and Lev’ book?

“Sunshine and Lev” was the next novel that I started AND finished writing (an accomplishment for an author, right?) after I finished the Lainey Cash trilogy in 2000. I woke up during the night in January 2001 and began writing “Sunshine and Lev” the story of an artist and an architect on the South Carolina coast. It was finished in mid-March 2001 writing 5-10 hours per day.

Q7. What do you think your readers take away from your books?

I am unattached to a specific outcome. Let it be what you want it to be when you read my books. Maybe someone reminds you of your father, your grandmother, your last boyfriend. Maybe you’ve been to Mexico and that chapter in “Sunshine and Lev” takes you back to your trip there or maybe you want to go one day OR think you’ll never go, so you go with me on the page. …I’ve heard from a lot of readers- that they laugh, cry, yell, cuss, dream, love, travel, smile, and live vicariously through my stories. Perfect!

Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Lainey and Jed’ book?

“Lainey and Jed” is Book 2 of the Lainey Cash trilogy. I knew in my heart of hearts that “Lainey Cash” Book 1 would be the first book I published out of all the books I’d written. To follow up with something as jaw-dropping, heart-wrenching, and adventure-filled, to keep up the drama, suspense, and pace while keeping their love alive and hot (wink) was my aim. That’s not easy. It took longer to write Book 2 because I meant it would be a worthy second book in the trilogy, not just the middle filler to get from the beginning, “Lainey Cash” to The End, “Delaina” Book 3.

Q9. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Secrets, hmm. Sure! I wrote “Lainey Cash” in 2000. I sought publishing in 2019. When I revisited the manuscript, there were no smartphones back then. Haha! I edited the trilogy to include modern technology but kept the original. Maybe there’ll be a “Lainey Cash” trilogy prequel, the way things really were when I wrote it. In “Sunshine and Lev,” you’ll find out that main love interest Lev is cousins with Lainey Cash’s main love interest, Jed! Both books are part of my Fifteen Thousand Times for Fifty Years series. Bombshell: All the main love interest men are cousins; therefore, you will see some of your favorite couples from previous books make cameo appearances in future books in the series.
“RETURN” is my latest release with a delve into time travel. In that book, Halloween night is required to time travel. It’s going to be part of a six-book series. This is the first time I’ve admitted that each new book in the series is related to a specific holiday in order for characters to time hop.

Q10. On what all platforms your books are available to buy?

My books are always available at Amazon and Barnes&Noble in print and eBook. I was invited to London and New York to promote the Lainey Cash trilogy, but Covid stopped that from happening, as well as a nice run of book signings on hold. As soon as it’s possible, my husband and I will take this book career on the road! Can’t wait to meet you!

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Book: Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Victoria Lucido, but I go by Vickie.  I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula, was a student of Monterey Peninsula Unified School District from K-12, and ended up teaching in my home district for 33 years.  When I decided to retire, I wanted to share what I learned with other teachers so they wouldn’t have to struggle to figure things out the way I did when I first started teaching.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!’ book?

Writing the book was actually the easy part.  It truly just flowed out of me once I started writing it.  I had so many things I wanted to say and share, and it was very cathartic getting to write them all down.  The hard part came when it was time to pitch it to publishers hoping someone would pick it up.  The next hard part has been marketing a book on teaching during a pandemic when schools are closed down.  I never saw that coming in a million years!  It’s been a challenge not being able to have a launch party or do book signings during COVID.  Fortunately, the message in my book is timeless, so I will hit the ground running as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Being from the Monterey Peninsula, I have always been a fan of John Steinbeck.  Being a former social studies teacher, I love reading historical fiction.  I don’t particularly have an author who influenced my writing because I wanted my book to be uniquely me and my voice.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I love to travel and visit all sorts of different places.  I just got back from visiting Bass Lake, California, which is very special because I grew up there camping and water skiing with my family.  But I would have to say my favorite spot in my country is my hometown and my favorite place to visit is wherever I can spend time with my family.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

I don’t think so.  I think you need to just do it.  Since I got my book published, many people have said to me, “I have an idea for writing a book” or “I’m thinking about writing a book,” and I always tell them, “Just start writing!”  The main thing, for me, about writing a book is be sure you have something to say.  I definitely felt I had something to say when I wrote my book.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!’ book?

On one hand, I suppose you could say it took me a lifetime to write my book because I couldn’t have written it without living through all of the experiences I shared.  But if the question is how long did it take to do the actual writing, I would say 6 months for the rough draft and another six months with all of the edits.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your book ‘Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!’  to buy?

I am selling my book on my website: victorialucidobooks.com and it is also available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book stores.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!’?

My brother actually came up with the idea of Classroom Confidential as a homage to Anthony Bourdain with his book Kitchen Confidential.  My editor and I came up with the tag line: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom… and You Can Too! We wanted to make sure people knew I would be sharing my secrets to help others. Being a classroom teacher all of those years, I envisioned a chalk board on the cover of the book because while a lot of my advice is “old school” the lessons will never go out of style since people are people and that doesn’t change.  Morgan James Publishing took the cover idea in my head and made it a reality.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I believe the best way to keep things fresh is to be authentic and write from your heart and not your ego.  Don’t ever try to manipulate the audience into feeling a certain way.  When you tell your truth with honesty,  it has a universality to it and others can relate.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Those of you who choose to read my book will see that it is like having a safe conversation with an experienced teacher.  While my book is set in the classroom, it’s really a no-nonsense book about life and best practices for managing and working with others.

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Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!

Book: How to Survive Your 20s

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hi, my name is Portia Ingram and I am the author of How to Survive Your 20s. I am a thirty-something born and raised in New York. I graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and City University of New York with a Masters in Disability Studies. I’m active in my community and despite my diplomas ended up working for my local government and nothing to do with science. But as my book points out…life can be funny like that. Lol.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘How to Survive Your 20s’ book?

I must say the only real obstacle I had was understanding the publishing process. I had already authored two workbooks called The Helpful Planner & The Helpful Planner Kids however I self-published them through Amazon. Since I wanted to reach a wider audience, I wanted to go with a publishing company and was accepted by Mascot Publishing.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I enjoy reading Napolean Hill’s books as well as Agatha Christi (And Then There Were None is an all-time favorite!). One author crucial to my development and storytelling ability was Shel Silverstein.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Being raised on Long Island, I loved going to our many parks and shores. There is a State park called Sunken Meadow that I enjoy going to when its warm. There are small microscopic crabs, horse shoe crabs, and a sand bridge by a beach less travelled that washes away with the high tide at noon. I think that’s so cool!

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

I would say depending on the book..yes. I wrote from experience so it took some honest reflection and even digesting of things I didn’t realize had such a major impact on what I wanted to write about. Once I got through that process it made the road to writing much clearer.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘How to Survive Your 20s’ book?

I would say I wrote it over the course of a few months. The content coming from lived experiences made it relatively easy to pen.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘How to Survive Your 20s’ book to buy?

The book is available for purchase online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘How to Survive Your 20s’?

I wanted the cover to be simple yet eye catching. The use of bright colors helped with this however I also researched books that had done well in my category and I saw how I could integrate what I wanted with what was a pattern amongst popular authors.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

That’s a great question. I think one can keep things fresh for themselves and the audience by introducing new and different perspectives. I come from a social science working background and like to analyze life from a meta perspective- qualitatively, quantitatively, and engaging all the senses. Thinking outside the box to explain the most mundane topics can spice things up : )

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

The book actually had several more chapter than were published. One title of a chapter that didn’t make it to press is “Do the Right Thing EVEN If it’s Unpopular.” In my teen and young adult workshops I discuss this but I believe especially in this day and time with so much potential for change it’s more important for people to hear.

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How to Survive Your 20s

Book: Brandon and His Mask

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Katherine Morbán-Smith, author of the bilingual children’s book “Brandon and His Mask.” I am an educator and mom to a 2-year-old boy from New York City.  Recently, I’ve been enjoying spending all of my time with my family.  I also love building my 2-year old’s language in English and Spanish through everyday activities and sensory play.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Brandon and His Mask’?

The process of writing the book was pretty simple.  In fact, I would say that it was very fun watching an idea written down in my phone’s “notes” come to life was.  I think that the most challenging part came after the book was published- marketing.  It is very time-consuming, but I have learned so much from the overall process.  Connecting with parents, teachers, and other authors around the world has been my favorite part.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

As a teacher and mother to a little one, I have read many books and look up to lots of authors, from Eric Carle, Roald Dahl to Ezra Jack Keats.  There’s so many to mention, but I have to say, however, that I gravitate towards multicultural/bilingual texts. Our most recent favorite book is Junot Diaz’s “Island Born.”  He takes such a poetic and colorful approach for the theme of connecting with one’s culture.  There is a need for more Latinx authors and for more multicultural/bilingual books, so as a multicultural family, I always try to get my hands on those.  It is empowering for little ones to see themselves, their families in characters and stories.

Q4. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

The best thing a children’s book author can do is dive right in when you feel the inspiration to write. There was a reason that idea or story came to your mind.  It could’ve been a memory or something you just experienced that inspired that idea.  Don’t wait. Write it down.  It will not be perfect right there and then, but you will have more opportunities to come back to it.  However, that moment of inspiration and passion may not happen again.

Q5. How long did it take you to write ‘Brandon and His Mask’ book?

The story itself did not take long to write.  I wrote both the English and Spanish text of the story in about an hour.  Editing, working with the illustrator, formatting, and publishing took about a month and a half to complete.

Q6. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Brandon and His Mask’ book to buy?

The book is available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online. 

Q7. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Brandon and His Mask’?

The illustrator did such a beautiful job capturing all of the essential elements I wanted on the cover.  It was important for the book cover to feature the main character of color, a New York City setting, and the characters’ emotions.  Because the illustrator was not familiar with New York City, I provided pictures of a surrounding NYC neighborhood’s skyline, other real-life images of our community, and our family’s photo.   It was also crucial that the main character’s emotions were reflected, precisely the feeling of confusion, which is vital to the story’s theme.  The illustrator did such a great job executing my vision.

Q8. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I think that the stories based on real-life experiences will help everyone relate.  I tried to focus on my own family’s experience during the Covid-19 pandemic, which allowed my readers to see themselves in the characters’ experience.  I believe that no matter what you write, you leave a little bit of yourself to the world to relate to.

Q9. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

The story was inspired by my young son’s experience during the height of the covid-19 pandemic. I was inspired to write the story after one afternoon at the park. Much like everyone else, we did not know much about Covid-19 but tried to take the precautions necessary to stay safe. One of those was keeping a distance from people and other children at the park and wearing masks. My son is a very social boy who loves to play with other children, but we just couldn’t let him get too close to those he saw at the park, even though he wasn’t too happy with the idea.  Seeing him upset truly broke my heart but I used that afternoon at the park for inspiration to write “Brandon and His Mask.”

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Brandon and His Mask

Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Greetings everyone, my name is James Mitchell. I was born in 1982 and grew up on the south-side of Chicago. I’ve been with my soul mate Sarah for fifteen years and we have two wonderful children Damian and Terry. I’ve always dabbled in the creative side including film making, being in a band, podcast, drawing and writing. I love the ability to create and share my unique views to the world.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Death of the Rebellious Smart Mouth Nonconformist Millennial’ book?

This book is a culmination of writing poetry since I was fourteen years old. It took quite a while to create my own style of writing. For the longest time my poetry remained unshared until I joined the Poetry Community on Instagram and began sharing them. As I began to notice people relating and appreciating my work, it was only a matter of time to focus on presenting those poems in a literary format such as a book.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

The most influential person was my Grandmother Betty Hughes. She had a gift for writing poetry and bringing her words to life. I was always amazed at that talent and it only led me to explore writing poetry for myself. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to keep the few poems she had written because it would have been great to be able to share them. I dedicated my book to her and her memory.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I’m heavily influenced by growing up in the city of Chicago. It’s one magnificent backdrop that helped enrich my words and develop the tone and atmosphere of my writings.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

When I finally decided to make that transition to putting a book together, I was faced with some hard decisions in what to include and to omit. Roughly there were over 700 poems to shift through and ranging from 1996 to 2020. Unfortunately I felt older poems had to be removed and mostly used poems written within the past few years.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Death of the Rebellious Smart Mouth Nonconformist Millennial’ book?

I’ve been actually piecing it together for years. But like I said, some things would stay and other pieces would have to be removed. So roughly I’ve been plugging away at this project for fifteen years.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your book ‘The Death of the Rebellious Smart Mouth Nonconformist Millennial’ to buy?

I’m a strong believer in print and paperback. Nothing is better than holding an actual copy of a book in your hands. I find it distracting to read ebooks since I can easily switch to some other form of media such as Netflix or Facebook. I don’t have a long attention span.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Death of the Rebellious Smart Mouth Nonconformist Millennial’?

I used a line from one of my poems for the Book Title. It’s had other titles throughout the length of putting the book together but I found this title the most fitting for the subject matter. As for the book cover, I had been searching for an artist to do an art commission for the book for a long time. Fortunately I came across an amazing talented artist named Evgesha Brooks on Instagram. I requested that he create an art piece based on the title of the book with freedom to do whatever he wanted. I loved how it turned out and the rest is history.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I don’t restrain myself to a certain style of writing that is currently popular in poetry. I draw from many inspirations such as life, dreams, emotions and experiences. Whether it’s just an image in my head, rhyme scheme I created or story I want to tell, that’s what will influence the creative process for the poem. The subject matter can be anything; frequently I even task myself with taking on challenges from readers by allowing them to pick subject matter. I always want to push myself to become a better writer and never feel comfortable in my abilities.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Sounding a bit , but I’m an open book. This is a prime example of that, there isn’t much censored and it’s the most vivid telling I can produce in exploring myself and my perspectives on the world. I want the reader to not only see what I am saying but put them in the front seat to experience it first hand. I want my words to feel authentic, I’m not writing to fill up pages with meaningless fluff. Each poem has a meaning, theme, purpose and is meant to leave an impression on the reader.  

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The Death of the Rebellious Smart Mouth Nonconformist Millennial

Book One: Harlem Angel

Book Two: Conductor

Q1.  Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hello! I am Brenda Hardwick. I’ve been writing since about the age of ten beginning with poetry. I even had a few works published back in the day! Today I write fantasy and Body Mind Spirit transformational books. Being a full-time writer was always a dream, and I’ve made it as close as I can. I am an Angel Communicator, Energy Healer, Speaker, and Grandma to beautiful twins who will turn two next month. These are the things that fill my days, and writing is woven among them every day.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Harlem Angel’ book?

The key challenges I dealt with while writing Harlem Angel, which is the first book in my series, was getting the writing done. Harlem Angel took me 25 years to get it completed and into print. I wrote the first three chapters in 1993 and won second place in the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold writing contest. The editor who read and was the final judge, asked me to sent it to her when I finished the manuscript. I did send it to her, but I’m very sure she never expected that it would take me 25 years to finish it! I received a very nice rejection letter from her, and a few others, and then decided to self-publish it.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

There are many books and authors who have influenced my writing. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are the books that started me reading fantasy. Octavia Butler and Toni Morrison were also favorites along with Anne McCafferey.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My favorite spot to visit… whoa that’s not easy! The mountains here in Colorado are certainly a favorite. Estes Park, Idaho Springs, Glenwood Springs, Buena Vista; these are place I go to sit with and listen to Mother Earth, soak in natural minerals from the springs, and allow my mind to clear and wander. I also enjoy visiting the ocean in California, Morro Bay is probably my favorite spot because it’s near the redwoods and the beach is amazing to get lost in the waves and the sound of the ocean.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

I am what is called a “Pantser”. I write by the seat of my pants. I don’t do an outline, and I write by way of my characters speaking to me. They tell me what’s going to happen, how the story is going to begin or end and I fill in the words. My preparation during a work in progress is to read the last paragraph I wrote. Sometimes I will go back to a previous chapter to make sure I’ve got the gist of what is happening before I start writing. I get ideas for new works from everywhere. It could be something somebody says or something I see happen that has story possibilities. When that happens I use sticky notes to keep track of them.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Conductor’ book?

Writing The Conductor took about 14 months, including the edits. I am able to concentrate on writing more often, and actually have writing scheduled on my calendar. This book really took off just as I finished Harlem Angel, so it was an easy transition. I’m working on book three right now, and it’s been a bit more of a struggle because it is ending the trilogy, and that’s not easy.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

My books are all available on Amazon. I plan to expand to Smashwords and Ingram Spark by the end of this year. Readers can also go to my website, https://www.brendahardwickauthor.com and purchase autographed copies there. The e-books are only on Amazon for the moment and I’m hoping to add audio books soon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?

The title is from a phrase in the dialogue between two of the characters in the book. Each of the books in the series touches on a point in African American History that is woven into the magic and fiction of the story. The cover for The Conductor was a collaborative effort. After finding and choosing my cover artist, I sent her the pages from the book where “The Conductor” is used, and gave her my vision of what I wanted on the cover. It is all from the same scene. She took what I asked for and gave me what I wanted, and then gave me her interpretation. She nailed it with her interpretation. The young lady on the cover (a model) is Josie, the apprentice in the Glory Shop, which is one of the focal points of the story. After a few tweaks and explanations of what I was describing in the story, we had it almost ready. My son suggested that we use the cover of Harlem Angel, which is made from the cloth used in the stories to communicate with the other shop owners, as her dress. The symbols on the wall behind her are from the other shops named in this story.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

This is all my characters doing. They tell me what is happening and I put it into words. There are times when I finish writing a chapter or section and even I’m surprised by where it went! It amazes me that I began this trilogy over 25 years ago and the foundation of the story, which has to do with racism, is still such a current theme in our lives. The subtle connections to current affairs has been serendipitous. For example, I had no idea how close Kinloch, Missouri was to Ferguson until I looked it up on a map.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Oooo, secrets? Well, let’s see. In The Conductor, Ray and Madeline are more important than you think. Shawn really is oblivious to anything outside of his own desires. Soraya finds her own apprentice. I think that’s probably enough teasers!

Author’s Profile

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Harlem Angel

Conductor

Book: One More Iris

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

I’m Darcy Greco and I have been married for almost 10 years, we have two young children. Our family lives in the Tampa Bay, Florida. I work as a hairstylist by day and a standup comedian by night. I’m a running/ cardio junkie who loves all things yoga, writing & live performances.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘One More Iris’ book?

Time would definitely be a difficulty in writing the book. Not having any, along with being super unfamiliar with the whole publishing process. I watched more YouTube videos & read more articles/blogs on getting an agent/ query letters/ word count etc. It’s a whole world I’m still trying to learn, now even in the side of marketing. I really just want to tell stories and hope it reaches people that need it!

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I love motivational/ how to books when I read- which is funny because I like to write suspense/psychological thriller. I swear by the artist way by Julia Cameron. It is a go to favorite and every time I read it I get something else out from it. I really enjoyed Girl on a Train and Wild Swans, totally different style books but completely fascinating.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My favorite place to visit is anywhere by the water. My husband‘s family has property in the middle of Florida feels much like old Florida because it is. It’s always calming for me to be near the water, I can hear myself think.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

I don’t have much time to prepare before I start writing I usually try to jump in whenever I can. In a perfect world I put on a playlist of songs that remind me of songs my character would listen to after I drop off my kids at school. It helps me transition from mom to work.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘One More Iris’ book?

I started writing the book when my daughter was born after late night feedings. I strung small pockets of time together off and on for over four years. I sometimes wonder how long it would really take if I had more time to but I kinda like the space too. It let’s s the story breathe, deeper points of interest come up when it takes so long.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘One More Iris’ book to buy?

ONE MORE IRiS is available at Books A Million, Barnes & Noble, Amazon- both paperback and Kindle, along with my own website darcygreco.com

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘One More Iris’?

I’ve always loved writing and when I was young I would write a ton of comedy. Performing as a comedian was something that came after having children. I never really imagined doing ether (author or comedian) until I become open enough to share what I wrote. Whether I am sharing thoughts written down or expressing them on a stage, it’s all about being open and vulnerable. The title came from the concept that there is always One More… “person” – dancer, teacher, writer, athlete, musician and until we are satisfied we are always comparing ourselves to one more “something”. When it comes to alcoholism, one more, being never enough. One more alcoholic. One more person who doesn’t want to see the truth or can’t. One more drink, and things will be fine.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I believe staying fresh is greatly due to my career as a hairstylist and comedian. I stand all day and talk to people about intimate details from their life- notoriously, hairstylists are therapists. Then as a comedian at night, we say all the things most people keep in their head. That in itself is refreshing.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

A very intimate detail from the book, that I don’t share a lot about, would be that chapter 7 was originally written about an experience I had going to a men’s maximum security prison. It was important to reflect the intimidation of a beastly man body into a women’s presence. It was intense, both writing that experience and living it.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

One More Iris